Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of spending on sports equipment in each prison in 2008; the corresponding figure for balls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8161/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The table below sets out the expenditure in 2008, by each prison, on sports, gym and recreational equipment:

All 2008 expenditure figures provided above are provisional at this stage, pending finalisation of the Appropriation Account.

As the Deputy will appreciate there are significant benefits to be gained from getting involved in physical education be it in a community setting or in the prison environment. In the prison setting PE affords prisoners the opportunity to take control of one aspect of their daily life — their physical well-being — with the potential knock-on effect of increasing their motivation and confidence to tackle other identified issues such as substance abuse, taking up educational or workshop opportunities. It is also recognised that physical education, sport and recreation also play a significant role in the management of prison life by providing positive outlets for energy.